NTE 1.3 Leaks | Zankou & Linko Build, Teams & Pull Guide
Peyton Harris
The leaks are finally confirmed! The dual S-Rank limited banners for Neverness to Everness (NTE) Version 1.3 are officially locked in, introducing the brand-new Pyre DOT and Phantom Co-op combat archetypes. The Hex-attribute on-field Main DPS Zankou and the Spirit-attribute off-field Co-op Sub-DPS Linko will run back-to-back in the first and second halves of the version update.
This patch is absolutely packed with rewards: a total of 7200 Ring Echoes, 45 free pulls worth of resources, and 300 Ring Echoes from the livestream redeem codes, alongside awesome cosmetics like Mint's free swimsuit outfit and exclusive Eloy collaboration furniture and skins.
With many players about to dry out their hard-earned stashes built over multiple patches, we've consolidated all the latest leaks. This guide uses detailed breakdowns to dissect both characters' skills, roles, team comps, and dupes value, offering precise pulling suggestions for every budget type and answering all your crucial gacha questions.
I. 1.3 Banner Schedule & Version Rewards Overview
1.1 Banner Schedule
| Phase | UP Character | Element | Role | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Half |
Zankou (S-Rank)
|
Hex | On-field Main DPS (DOT) | 21 Days | Pyre DOT core enabler. Limited, won't join standard pool. |
| 2nd Half |
Linko (S-Rank)
|
Spirit | Off-field Co-op Sub-DPS | 21 Days | Top-tier support, perfect for multi-DOT stacking. |
1.2 F2P Obtainable Free Resources Tracker
| Resource Source | Rewards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Livestream Redeem Codes | 300 Ring Echoes | 3 codes combined, valid until update maintenance. |
| Main Story + Side Quests + Anomalous Commissions | 7200 Ring Echoes | Obtainable by completing all new version content. |
| Limited Events + Login + Cycle Refresh | 45 Pulls (Standard Tickets) | Totally free with no paywall. |
| Version Event Rewards | Mint Swimsuit Outfit | Requires zero Vance or Ring Echoes. |
| Event Progression | Yacht Gacha Box, 4-Star Disk | Clear events to claim. |
II. 1st Half S-Rank Character: Zankou Deep Dive
2.1 Character Role & Concept
A Hex-attribute Pyre DOT Main DPS who thrives on stacking multiple status effects to trigger massive independent damage scaling. Excellent in both AoE and single-target scenarios. She's a must-have meta unit for the Out-of-Orbit Realm and long-duration boss fights, serving as a direct upgrade to Hakuzo in classic Pyre DOT comps.
2.2 Core Skill Mechanics
- Passive [Pyre Amplification]: For every unique DOT type on the target, Pyre DMG increases by 25%. Stacking 4 DOT types instantly grants 100% independent DMG scaling with no decay.
- Basic Attack & Skill: Rapidly applies her signature "Nightmare" Hex DOT, quickly building passive stacks.
- Ultimate: Deals massive AoE Hex burst damage, detonating all active DOTs for explosive burst scaling while extending their remaining durations.
2.3 Best Team Comps Comparison
| Team Type | Synergy Composition | Investment | Target Players | Core Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F2P Friendly Pyre Team |
Zankou + Adler + Eloy + Mint
|
Very Low (Uses free & standard units) | F2P / New Starters | Incredible survivability. Zero dupes needed to easily clear daily content. |
| BiS Endgame Team |
Zankou + Requiem + Sagiri + Linko
|
Medium (Needs 2nd Half unit Linko) | Abyss Speedrunners & Min-Maxers | Enables 4 unique DOT categories to max out passive buffs for absolute ceiling damage. |
III. 2nd Half S-Rank Character: Linko Deep Dive
3.1 Character Role & Concept
An off-field Spirit Sub-DPS utilizing a unique phantom summon system. Her summon, "Sada," automatically inflicts Electro DOT to cover the missing 4th slot on Pyre teams. Highly versatile, perfect for low-maintenance idle combat setups, and fits seamlessly into almost any direct damage or DOT roster.
3.2 Core Skill Mechanics
- Skill (E): Summons her phantom companion "Sada," who stays on field to auto-attack and consistently apply Electro DOT, triggering Zankou's passive instantly.
- Off-field Presence: Sada remains active after swapping, dealing continuous off-field damage without stealing screen time from your Main DPS.
- Ultimate: Summons dual phantoms, shredding enemy resistances to all elements and providing a burst window of amplified team damage.
3.3 Team Building
Universal Co-op Sub-DPS (Fits any Main DPS)
Crimson / Chaos / Xun (Any Main DPS) + Linko
Off-field coordination requires zero field time or specific element restrictions. Easily boost your team ceiling if you already have a built hypercarry.
IV. 1.3 Banner Pulling & Resource Management Guide
| Player Type | Est. F2P Pulls | Target Goal | Resource Planning |
|---|---|---|---|
| F2P Players | 45 Pulls | All-in on 1st Half to secure Zankou (C0) | Save all remaining funds. Skip the 2nd half and prepare for 1.4 Blackbird. |
| Low Spenders | 68 Pulls | Aim for Zankou (C0) and try to grab Linko (C0) | Keep a small reserve of 10+ pulls for 1.4. If your Ring Echoes are falling short, opt for a secure and direct NTE top up to secure your planned rosters without ruining your budget. |
| Whales | Unlimited | Max out Zankou (C6 + Signature Weapon) & pull Linko (C2) | Pull freely. We highly recommend using authorized NTE top up channels to process instant premium packs and ensure maximum value on your path to max dupe builds. |
Crucial Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not deplete your entire wallet for Linko. The 1.4 S-Rank character, Blackbird, has already been officially announced and features highly meta-defining kits.
- Save your Vance for limited yachts and cosmetic outfits instead of wasting them on basic resources.
- Wait until 1.3 launches before claiming your Out-of-Orbit Realm reward milestones, as the update doubles resource outputs.
- Do not chase dupes for older units like Crimson or Eloy. You can easily clear Endgame with two separate rosters.
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: If I am F2P and can only pick one, should I pull Zankou or Linko?
A: Prioritize Zankou. Zankou is the definitive core carry of the Pyre DOT archetype, capable of outputting S-tier numbers entirely on her own. Linko is simply a premium luxury sub-DPS; her value drops significantly without a built Pyre DOT carry.
Q2: If I already have a fully built Crimson direct-DPS team, is Zankou still worth pulling?
A: Absolutely. These two teams operate on completely distinct combat systems, and you need at least two distinct rosters to alternate chambers in the Out-of-Orbit Realm anyway. Additionally, Version 1.3 introduces high-DEF bosses where DOT-based damage scaling performs significantly better than direct raw-DMG crit teams.
Q3: Will the 1.3 swimsuit cosmetics require Ring Echoes to pull?
A: No. Mint's swimsuit can be obtained completely free through the limited-time version event progression. Only Eloy's furniture collab skin is an exclusive cash-shop item requiring a small amount of Vance.
Q4: How strong is 1.4 Blackbird, and is it worth saving up for her?
A: Based on initial beta leaks, Blackbird is the core hypercarry of the upcoming Sigil system. Her kit is incredibly unique and offers superb future-proof scaling. F2P and low-spending players should definitely hold back some savings to avoid being caught completely flat-footed when her banner drops in 1.4.
